Top 10 Tuesday: Ten Books Every Non-Reader Should Try-to-Read

I’m gonna try to branch out a bit and try to reach those who don’t like to read or haven’t found their niche. I truly believe that everyone is a reader at heart it just depends on finding that which appeals most to you. Even my “non-reader” of a husband will read…star wars books. Just sayin…

Non-Fiction:

This has got to be one of my all time favorites book. The story is utterly incredible. The way this man’s mind worked in order to survive was utterly amazing. We often forget the purging during Stalin’s reign, we often reflect more on Hitler since it was around the same time. Stalin killed more than Hitler, he murdered his own people. This is a story of an American who was falsely arrested and spent 40 years of his life in Russia. They way he survived is amazing. The problem with recommending this book is, I believe it’s still out-of-print. However I’ve seen it many times at the library. so I hope that if you can’t buy it somewhere see if your library has it because this is a must read. You won’t be bored. I promise.

This book… is a well known and loved book for many, many reasons. There is a reason why it’s sold over 12 million copies. The way this man writes his experiences in a concentration camp will have you tearing up. The truth about men and their ability to choose ones own attitude in any given circumstance will make you see a different outcome in your life and those lives around you.

The evidence of good happening among people in the most heinous of circumstances. Where good still triumphed in ways you wouldn’t usually think. It was completely riveting and wonderful. I felt so much gratitude while reading this book. Plus Frankl comes up with his own type of psychology and explains it which was interesting but overall I loved reading the experiences and shared. A must own.

A Child Called “It” Series. If you can handle severe child abuse. Now. The first book was just horrifying. The book that made me SOB was The Lost Boy which was him dealing with foster care. It was a lot more emotional which got to me more than physical abuse. His yearning for love and acceptance just broke my heart. The privilege of youth was just a fun book as he talked about adventures as a teen. Then there is this last which is him dealing with the past as an adult and his triumph of his past and ability to move forward. Just amazing!

Here is another book that I just found fascinating. To read about this man and what he went through and what he did to survive. But even before that, to read and learn about this man as a child and watch him grow up. How is family loved and saved him, who he was as a person and how his family shaped him. Then who he became as an athlete and how he came to be. Then the World War II broke out and what he did there and that continued his legacy of survival and resilience. It’s just incredible and makes me want to be a better person. I often think about what I would do in these circumstances and I honestly don’t think I’d survive but I love reading who these people were and how life shaped them before the storm hit. Just amazing.

Children’s Books ANYONE Can Enjoy:

This is serious one of the cutest books I’ve ever read. It’s super light and fun with times I’ve literally laughed out loud. It’s a retelling of Cinderella! Don’t be fooled with the horrible rendition of this book that was turned into a movie with Anne Hathaway. GAH! However with this Cinderella retelling, you’ve a more defiant girl and her dilemma is somewhat bigger. This has to be one of my all time favorite books simply because it’s just so perfect and fun and sweet. And out of all the other books this author put out, this still has to be my favorite. So am I being a bit bias when I recommend this book? maybe. But this is just a fun book that I think any person of any age could enjoy.

Lloyd Alexander. I almost want to say that this is a series that is becoming lost in time. Which is sad. Whenever I recommend this series and I say “The Chronicles of Prydain” I get a blank stare. When I say “The Black Cauldron series” I get, “aaaaah! it’s a series?” YES! It is! However the first book is called The Book of Thee where we are introduced to all the fun loving characters such as Taran, Hen Wen the pig, the Horned King, Gurgi and Eilonwy. You’ve got adventure, classic writing which I feel helps adult of THIS time enjoy it more because it’s not so “childish.” Read this. seriously.

I almost hate to add this simply because even I am a little harry potter-ed out. However let me just say for those who have yet to attempt it, I boycotted this series for a long time because I thought the idea sounded so stupid. It’s true, I did! It wasn’t until I actually saw the first movie that I was like…hmmm okay I think i should try this! I couldn’t put the books down! nor could I not get my hands on the next books fast enough. There is truly a good reason why these books have done so well and are so well loved. Try it. Just TRY IT.

Here is another example of a series I feel is becoming lost over time. The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. This series is about a group of rather awesome set of siblings and a mysterious great-uncle now add adventures on holiday by the seaside and you’re hooked. This is a classic that goes along with Lloyd Alexander and The Chronicles of Narnia. You’ve got a more classic feel to the writing even though this is geared more towards “middle-school” kids I think it’s a series everyone should try.

Classics:

This classic is so perfect for our time. Without even getting into politics here, this is a story of possibilities. This is a story of things that could be and we’ve seen certain things that happen in this book happen in real life, today! So I find this classic something anyone could enjoy whether it’s just a interesting story you’re looking for or a political book to read and apply or just simply something to discuss in a group setting. This book is just all around perfect book just entertainment or depth. I love it.

The idea behind Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” has informed much of my own writing: even in the worst circumstances, people can and do find ways to make their lives meaningful. Take “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich” (which ties in with the Stalinist-era “Coming out of the Ice.” My TTT.